Publications
Partners
The plethora of recently held events involving UK-based South Africans have been dominated by no other topic than Wednesday’s elections, which have been hailed internationally as a sign of the maturity of South Africa’s democracy.
However, there was one event where not much election talk took place and that was the gathering of sponsors of the Nedbank SA Charity Golf Day.
Held on the same day as the elections at the Burhill Golf Club in Hersham, south west of London, the day was all about the goodwill and nobility of the work carried out by the various charities that benefit from the funds raised by the annual event.
This year’s main event will be held on September 6 at the same venue.
Featuring teams from UK-based South African companies as well as UK corporates, the day teed off to a wet London start.
However, the players were not to be deterred as they went about their business with the vigour and stability that is associated with long-standing title sponsor, Nedbank.
Founded by Geoff Johnson in 1995, the event has grown in stature over the years, raising millions of rands for deserving charities in South Africa, a feat that compelled SA High Commissioner to the UK Nomatemba Tambo to not only grace the event, but also express her gratitude for the efforts made towards nation building.
“The work that this charity event is undertaking is quite unique and remarkable. It has, over the years, raised in the region of £2.5 million (R46 million), which has transformed the life of many young South Africans,” she told City Press.
Pumela Salela, country head of Brand SA for the UK, acknowledged the synergy between the charity and one of her organisation’s key projects.
“This initiative ties in well with Play Your Part, a project that encourages global South Africans to play their part in giving back to the country wherever they are, be it in the form of sharing skills, raising funds or any other sustainable way.”
The Nedbank SA Charity Golf Day is the only non-professional event to be recognised by the European Tour this year, a major feat that can only add credence to South Africa’s branding efforts made by Salela and her team
